Nationwide warning day: Are we well prepared for an emergency?

Nationwide warning day: Are we well prepared for an emergency?

Today, September 11, 2025, the nationwide warning day takes place, during which the federal government, states, cities and municipalities will put their warning devices to the test. The joint exercise begins at 11 a.m., during which citizens are informed via various channels such as messages on smartphones, announcements on the radio and advertisements on train tracks. The aim of the warning day is to raise awareness among the population about the correct behavior in an emergency and to check the functionality of the warning systems. This is reported by Radio Oberland.

During the warning day, the technology is put through its paces. The population's reaction to the warnings is also being tested, because in an emergency, especially in disasters such as floods or major fires, minutes can be crucial. The Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief (BBK) will trigger a test warning at 11 a.m. via the Modular Warning System (MoWaS), which will be forwarded to radio and television stations, digital display boards, warning apps and through cell broadcast. Millions of people in Germany receive the warning, and many municipalities also use their own warning devices such as sirens and loudspeaker trucks.

From the trial warning to the all-clear

The nationwide all-clear is given at 11:45 a.m., with the exception of cell broadcasts. This year's warning day serves not only as a dress rehearsal, but also as a stress test to check the transmission chain. BBK President Ralph Tiesler emphasizes the importance of feedback from citizens in order to further develop the warning system. The public can take part in an online survey until September 18, 2025 to share their experiences with the warning channels. What is interesting is that a survey from 2024 showed that around two thirds of citizens have trust in the national warning system and 98 percent consider regular testing to be important, according to [BBK](https://www.bbk.bund.de/SharedDocs/Press Releases/DE/2025/09/pm-04-ankuendigung-buwata2025.html).

At 2 p.m. there will be a live statement from BBK President Tiesler and Vice President Dr. René Funk in Bonn, where further insights into the technology and process of the Wartag project will be given.

Future of civil protection

Parallel to the warning day, the federal government is considering expanding civil defense and disaster protection. Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has announced a “pact for civil protection” under which ten billion euros are to be invested by 2029. These investments include, among other things, new sirens, digital warning systems on cell phones, additional shelters and around 1,500 vehicles for various areas of operation. Dobrindt cites Israel as a model for expanding shelters and aims for closer cooperation to strengthen civil protection in Germany. There are currently only 579 public shelters available to citizens, capable of housing around 480,000 people, while many bunkers and sirens have been decommissioned since the Cold War.

All of these measures underline the importance of being prepared and raising awareness among the population in emergencies. The annual warning day in September is intended to help better prepare citizens for possible dangers and to involve them in the important civil protection processes. So let's keep our eyes open and actively use the experience of the warnings - for the safety of all of us.